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Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream

These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are a tropical delight! Moist cupcakes topped with rich cherry buttercream will steal the show at any gathering.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz crushed pineapple do not drain!
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 12 pieces maraschino cherries optional for topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your cupcakes rise perfectly.
  • Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal.
  • Cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  • Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, keeping all the juicy goodness intact.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and cherry juice to achieve desired consistency.
  • Frost each cupcake with the cherry buttercream using a piping bag or spatula.
  • Top each frosted cupcake with a maraschino cherry for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Cupcake Liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Notes

  • Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes; mix just until combined!
  • Keep the pineapple juice for moisture to avoid dry cupcakes.
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.